Resource optimization for voice and data services

A wireless network, such as a cellular network, can include an access node (e.g., base station) serving multiple wireless devices or user equipment (UE) in a geographical area covered by a radio frequency transmission provided by the access node. Access nodes may deploy different carriers within the cellular network utilizing different types of radio access technologies (RATs). RATs can include, for example, 3G RATs (e.g., GSM, CDMA etc.), 4G RATs (e.g., WiMax, long term evolution (LTE), etc.), and 5G RATs (new radio (NR)). Further, different types of access nodes may be implemented for deployment for the various RATs. For example, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB) may be utilized for 4G RATs and a next generation NodeB (gNodeB or gNB) may be utilized for 5G RATs. Deployment of the evolving RATs in a network provides numerous benefits. For example, newer RATs may provide additional resources to subscribers, faster communications speeds, and other advantages. For example, 5G networks provide edge deployments enabling computing capabilities closer to UEs.

With respect to voice calling technologies, voice over LTE (VoLTE) has become prevalent in both 4G networks and hybrid networks utilizing 4G and 5G RATs. VoLTE is an LTE high-speed wireless communication standard for mobile phones and data terminals, including Internet of things (IoT) devices and wearables. VoLTE has several times more voice and data capacity than older technologies. Further, it uses less bandwidth than previous technologies.

Voice over new radio (VoNR) has evolved as a 5G high-speed wireless communication standard for mobile phones and data terminals, including Internet of things (IoT) devices and wearables. VoNR fully utilizes the 5G Standalone (SA) core and can have better voice quality than its predecessor VoLTE. An advantage of VoNR over VoLTE is faster call setup time due to the inherent lower latency of 5G NR. However, due to the prevalence and extensive use and development of VoLTE, and the limited capabilities of existing wireless devices, challenges exist in developing VoNR to provide a customer experience that equals or surpasses that provided by VoLTE.

With current efforts underway to increase the infrastructure for the 5GSA, efforts to improve the VoNR customer experience have become more critical. Accordingly, solutions are needed for ensuring sufficient resources exist within a network for VoNR, while maintaining VoLTE quality of service (QoS) and data transmission capabilities.

Exemplary embodiments described herein include systems, methods, and processing nodes for optimizing the wireless device experience through adaptive resource allocation, when utilizing VoNR, VoLTE, and data transmission. A method includes monitoring traffic over time within a network to assess the use of VoLTE, VoNR, and data transmission services. Specifically, in embodiments provided herein, methods are provided that include monitoring network resource usage by wireless devices within a network based on time of day, cell loading conditions, wireless device location, and cell size. The method further includes determining proportions of the network resources utilized by the wireless devices within the network for voice over new radio (VoNR), voice over LTE (VoLTE) and data services during the monitoring. The method additionally includes reallocating the network resources based on the monitored resource usage and the proportions.

An additional exemplary embodiment includes a resource optimization system. The resource optimization system includes a memory storing instructions and a processor executing the stored instructions to perform multiple operations. The operations include monitoring resource usage by wireless devices within a network based on time of day, cell loading conditions, wireless device location, and cell size. The operations further include determining proportions of resources utilized by the wireless devices within the network for voice over new radio (VoNR), voice over LTE (VoLTE) and data services during the monitoring and reallocating the network resources based on the monitored resource usage and the proportions.

Additional exemplary embodiments include processing nodes performing the operations described above. Further embodiments include non-transitory computer-readable mediums storing instructions, that when executed by a processor, perform the steps and operations identified above.

Exemplary embodiments described herein include systems, methods, and devices for optimizing the wireless device experience through adaptive or dynamic resource allocation and load balancing to ensure QoS when VoNR, VoLTE and data transmission are being utilized. Further, the dynamic resource allocation ensures that resource usage will be balanced, rather than having some resources underutilized and other resources overutilized.

A method includes monitoring resource utilization over time in multiple locations within multiple cells for wireless devices utilizing a network offering VoLTE, VoNR, and data transmission. Based on the monitored resource utilization, the method re-balances resources and/or load strategically in order to guarantee quality of service (QoS) during VoNR and VoLTE.

VoLTE and VoNR allow voice calls to be made over 4G LTE and 5GNR networks respectively. VoLTE is defined by LTE and further is prevalent in the 5GNSA scenario. VoNR is defined by 5G and is provided in the 5GNRSA scenario. Accordingly, because VoLTE is based on 4G and VoNR is based on 5G, multiple differences exist between the two. VoNR is designed to provide ultra-low latency, which is critical for certain use cases such as gaming and industrial automation. Further, VoNR provides better voice quality and faster call setup times than VoLTE. Additionally, while VoLTE utilizes an EPC (Evolved Packet Core), VoNR utilizes a 5GC (5G core).

While VoNR can provide higher data transmission rates and greater network efficiency, multiple challenges have been linked to the deployment of VoNR technology. Ensuring a consistent level of quality in 5G networks can be difficult, because network conditions can vary greatly based on location and number of users. Further, VoNR is not available everywhere because 5G networks are not as prevalent as 4G networks. Under VoNR, wireless devices reside in the 5G network, and both voice and data are carried in 5G. In poor-coverage areas of 5G signal, 5G to 4G or VoNR to VoLTE handovers can be executed. Further, not all devices are 5G capable and some devices will therefore be unable to connect to VoNR. Thus, the addition of VoNR makes ensuring a consistent level of voice quality more difficult.

Within each cell, usage of VoLTE, VoNR, and data service may vary based on time of day, the loading characteristics of the cell, location within a cell, and the size of the cell. For example, data transmission may occupy a larger portion of resources in most cells during peak daytime hours, whereas voice services, such as VoLTE, and VoNR usage may peak during evening hours. Further, some cells may be more heavily loaded than others. As an additional consideration, wireless devices at a cell edge (further from the access node and close to a coverage area boundary) may have a more difficult time obtaining a satisfactory QoS during voice calls than during data transmission. Additionally, larger cells may experience different resource usage patterns than smaller cells. Thus, the proportion of resources utilized for VoNR, VoLTE, and data transmission is dependent on location in a cell, time of day, cell load, and cell size.

Accordingly, embodiments provided herein allow flexible and dynamic allocation of network resources based on these factors. With the evolution of 5GSA networks, the networks are able to provide both VoNR and VoLTE, whereas previous networks defaulted all voice calls to VoLTE. Both types of voice calls require a higher QoS than data transmission.

Thus, embodiments provided herein monitor wireless device activity and resource usage in the network over a time period. For example, monitoring could occur over a week or a month to assess resource usage patterns. Based on the resource usage patterns, systems and methods provided herein apply a balancing algorithm in order to balance load and allocate resources based on historical patterns in order to improve the wireless device experience.

In addition to the systems and methods described herein, the operations for resource allocation based on load may be implemented as computer-readable instructions or methods, and processing nodes on the network for executing the instructions or methods. The processing node may include a processor included in the access node or a processor included in any controller node in the wireless network that is coupled to the access node.

depicts an exemplary systemfor wireless communication, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The systemmay include a communication network, core networksand, and a radio access network (RAN)including at two access nodes,. The RANmay include other devices and additional access nodes. The systemalso includes multiple wireless devices,which may be end-user wireless devices and may operate within one or more coverage areas,and communicate with the RANover communication links,,,, which may for example be 4G LTE and 5G NR communication links. Communication links,,,may further be distinguished based on whether they are carrying voice transmissions or data transmissions. For example, communication linkmay carry data from the EPC core, communication linkmay support VoLTE transmissions, communication linkmay support data transmissions from the 5G core, and communication linkmay support VoNR.

The systemmay further include a resource monitoring and optimization system, which is illustrated as operating between the core networksandand the RAN. However, it should be noted that the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay be distributed. For example, the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay utilize components located at both the core networks,at multiple and at access nodes,. Alternatively, the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay be an entirely discrete component operating between the core networks,and the RAN.

The resource monitoring and optimization systemreceives information pertaining to resource usage over the transmission links,,, and. For example, the resource and optimization systemmay collect information pertaining to a number of connected devices over each communication link, the number of devices in each coverage area,connected over each link, and the locations of the connected devices. The resource monitoring and optimization systemanalyzes this information for many wireless devices,over time to develop a resource allocation plan for cells within the network. The resource allocation plan may involve reallocating resource blocks, adjusting antenna parameters, limiting connectivity over the various communication links, and handing over devices. For example, devices connected to VoNR may be handed over to VoLTE when insufficient resources exist for maintaining quality of service on VoNR. Alternatively, devices near a cell edge using VoLTE may be handed over to a nearby access node utilizing VoNR.

Communication networkcan be a wired and/or wireless communication network, and can comprise processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among various network elements, including combinations thereof, and can include a local area network a wide area network, and an internetwork (including the Internet). Communication networkcan be capable of carrying data, for example, to support voice, push-to-talk, broadcast video, and data communications by wireless devices,. Wireless network protocols can comprise Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS), code division multiple access (CDMA) 1×RTT, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), EV-DO rev. A, Third Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Fourth Generation broadband cellular (4G, LTE Advanced, etc.), and Fifth Generation mobile networks or wireless systems (5G, 5G New Radio (“5G NR”), or 5G LTE). Wired network protocols that may be utilized by communication networkcomprise Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Local Talk (such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance), Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Communication networkcan also comprise additional base stations, controller nodes, telephony switches, internet routers, network gateways, computer systems, communication links, or some other type of communication equipment, and combinations thereof.

The core networksandincludes core network functions and elements. The core networkmay have an evolved packet core (EPC) structure and the core networkmay be structured using a service-based architecture (SBA). As 5G SA networks mature, voice services are carried by 5G with VoNR, for example through the use of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). For wireless devicesusing VoNR, the wireless devicesreside in the 5G network, and both voice and data can be carried using 5G through the communication linksand. In poor-coverage areas of 5G signal, 4/5G handover-based interoperability can be achieved, and the LTE core networkprovides voice services. An inter-RAT handover mechanism can allow for handovers between VoNR and VoLTE.

The network functions and elements may be separated into user plane functions and control plane functions for both core networksand. In an SBA architecture of the core network, service-based interfaces may be utilized between control-plane functions, while user-plane functions connect over point-to-point link. The user plane function (UPF) accesses a data network, such as network, and performs operations such as packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, policy enforcement for the user plane, quality of service (QoS) handling, etc. The control plane functions may include, for example, a network slice selection function (NSSF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a policy control function (PCF), a unified data management (UDM) function, an application function (AF), an access and mobility function (AMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), and a session management function (SMF). Additional or fewer control plane functions may also be included. The AMF receives connection and session related information from the wireless devicesand is responsible for handling connection and mobility management tasks. The SMF is primarily responsible for creating updating and removing sessions and managing session context. The UDM function provides services to other core functions, such as the AMF, SMF, and NEF. The UDM function may function as a stateful message store, holding information in local memory. The NSSF can be used by the AMF to assist with the selection of network slice instances that will serve a particular device. Further, the NEF provides a mechanism for securely exposing services and features of the core network.

Communication linksandcan use various communication media, such as air, space, metal, optical fiber, or some other signal propagation path—including combinations thereof. Communication linksandcan be wired or wireless and use various communication protocols such as Internet, Internet protocol (IP), local-area network (LAN), Si, optical networking, hybrid fiber coax (HFC), telephony, T1, or some other communication format—including combinations, improvements, or variations thereof. Wireless communication links can be a radio frequency, microwave, infrared, or other similar signal, and can use a suitable communication protocol, for example, Global System for Mobile telecommunications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G NR, or combinations thereof. Other wireless protocols can also be used. Communication linksandcan be direct links or might include various equipment, intermediate components, systems, and networks, such as a cell site router, etc. Communication linksandmay comprise many different signals sharing the same link. Communication linksandmay be associated with many different reference points.

The RANmay include various access network systems and devices such as access nodesand. The RANis disposed between the core networksandand the end-user wireless devices,. Components of the RANmay communicate directly with the core networks,and others may communicate directly with the end user wireless devices,. The RANmay provide services from the core networks,to the end-user wireless devices,.

The RANincludes at least an access node (or base station), such as an eNodeB, and an access node, which is a next generation NodeB (gNodeB)communicating with the plurality of end-user wireless devices,. It is understood that the disclosed technology for may also be applied to communication between an end-user wireless device and other network resources, such as relay nodes, controller nodes, antennas, etc. Further, multiple access nodes may be utilized. For example, some wireless devices may communicate with an LTE eNodeB and others may communicate with an NR gNodeB. The RAN componentsmay include base stations,having antennas that cover a specific region, such as coverage areas,, depending on their capacity. The RANmay further include radio controllers and other components operate on different layers and domains, such as physical, logical, and transport.

Access nodes,can be, for example, standard access nodes such as a macro-cell access node, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an eNodeB device, an enhanced eNodeB device, a next generation NodeB (or gNodeB) in 5G New Radio (“5G NR”), or the like. In additional embodiments, access nodes may comprise two co-located cells, or antenna/transceiver combinations that are mounted on the same structure. Alternatively, access nodes,may comprise a short range, low power, small-cell access node such as a microcell access node, a picocell access node, a femtocell access node, or a home eNodeB device. Access nodes,can be configured to deploy one or more different carriers, utilizing one or more RATs. For example, a gNodeB may support NR and an eNodeB may provide LTE coverage. Any other combination of access nodes and carriers deployed therefrom may be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

The access nodes,can comprise a processor and associated circuitry to execute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions to perform operations such as those further described herein. Access nodes can retrieve and execute software from storage, which can include a disk drive, a flash drive, memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local or remotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software, including combinations thereof.

The wireless devices,may include any wireless device included in a wireless network. For example, the term “wireless device” may include a relay node, which may communicate with an access node. The term “wireless device” may also include an end-user wireless device, which may communicate with the access node,in the access networkthrough the relay node. The term “wireless device” may further include an end-user wireless device that communicates with the access node directly without being relayed by a relay node. In embodiments disclosed herein, the wireless devices,may report their locations and performance parameters to the access nodes,

Wireless devices,, may be any device, system, combination of devices, or other such communication platform capable of communicating wirelessly with access nodes,using one or more frequency bands and wireless carriers deployed therefrom. Each of wireless devices,, may be, for example, a mobile phone, a wireless phone, a wireless modem, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone, a voice over packet (VOP) phone, or a soft phone, as well as other types of devices or systems that can send and receive audio or data. The wireless devices,may be or include high power wireless devices or standard power wireless devices. Further, some wireless devices may be 5G capable and other wireless devices may not be 5G capable and would therefore not be capable of utilizing VoNR. Other types of communication platforms are possible.

Systemmay further include many components not specifically shown inincluding processing nodes, controller nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for communicating signals among various network elements. Systemmay include one or more of a local area network, a wide area network, and an internetwork (including the Internet). Communication systemmay be capable of communicating signals and carrying data, for example, to support voice, push-to-talk, broadcast video, and data communications by end-user wireless devices,. Wireless network protocols may include one or more of MBMS, code division multiple access (CDMA) 1×RTT (radio transmission technology), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Third Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), Fourth Generation broadband cellular (4G, LTE Advanced, etc.), and Fifth Generation mobile networks or wireless systems (5G, 5G New Radio (“5G NR”), or 5G LTE). Wired network protocols utilized by communication networkmay include one or more of Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Local Talk (such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance), Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Systemmay include additional base stations, controller nodes, telephony switches, internet routers, network gateways, computer systems, communication links, or other type of communication equipment, and combinations thereof.

Other network elements may be present in systemto facilitate communication but are omitted for clarity, such as base stations, base station controllers, mobile switching centers, dispatch application processors, and location registers such as a home location register or visitor location register. Furthermore, other network elements that are omitted for clarity may be present to facilitate communication, such as additional processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among the various network elements, e.g. between the access networkand the core networks,.

The methods, systems, devices, networks, access nodes, and equipment described herein may be implemented with, contain, or be executed by one or more computer systems and/or processing nodes. The methods described above may also be stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. Many of the elements of communication systemmay be, comprise, or include computers systems and/or processing nodes, including access nodes, controller nodes, and gateway nodes described herein.

The operations for facilitating load balancing and resource optimization may be implemented as computer-readable instructions or methods, and processing nodes on the network for executing the instructions or methods. The processing node may include a processor included in the access node or a processor included in any controller node in the wireless network that is coupled to the access node.

depicts an exemplary resource monitoring and optimization system, which may be configured to perform load balancing and resource optimization and enhance network performance. In the disclosed embodiments, the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay be integrated with the access node,, the core networks,or may be an entirely separate component capable of communicating with the access nodes,, core networks,and the wireless devices,.

The resource monitoring and optimization systemmay be configured for monitoring network load over time and determining proportions of the network load attributed to services including VoLTE, VoNR, and data transmission. The resource monitoring and optimization systemmay further monitor to the proportions of network load attributed to these services based on cell size, location, and network load. Based on the monitoring, the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay dynamically allocate resources and balance load in order to optimize network performance. To perform the monitoring, balancing, and allocation, the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay include a processing system. Processing systemmay include a processorand a storage device. Storage devicemay include a disk drive, a flash drive, a memory, or other storage device configured to store data and/or computer readable instructions or codes (e.g., software). The computer executable instructions or codes may be accessed and executed by processorto perform various methods disclosed herein. Software stored in storage devicemay include computer programs, firmware, or other form of machine-readable instructions, including an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or other type of software. For example, software stored in storage devicemay include a module for performing various operations described herein. For example, resource monitoring logicmay include instructions to monitor and analyze proportions of network resources consumed by the services including VoNR, VoLTE, and data transmission. Further, resource optimization logiccan include instructions to reallocate resources dynamically based on the monitoring. Processormay be a microprocessor and may include hardware circuitry and/or embedded codes configured to retrieve and execute software stored in storage device.

The disclosed resource monitoring and optimization systemthus performs RAN resource management, which is the process of allocating and controlling the radio resources, such as frequency, power, and time, among the user devices and the base stations. The resource monitoring and optimization systemaims to maximize the network efficiency, quality, and reliability, while minimizing the interference and congestion. RAN resource management can be performed at different levels, such as cell level, cluster level, or network level. The resource monitoring and optimization systemmay utilize techniques such as admission control, power control, handover control, load balancing, and interference coordination. The resource monitoring and optimization systemmay further perform RAN resource coordination by harmonizing and synchronizing the radio resources across different network layers and domains to enhance the network performance, capacity, and coverage. The resource monitoring and optimization systemmay utilize techniques such as carrier aggregation, multi-connectivity, network slicing, and network function virtualization.

The resource monitoring and optimization systemmay include a communication interfaceand a user interface. Communication interfacemay be configured to enable the processing systemto communicate with other components, nodes, or devices in the wireless network. For example, resource monitoring and optimization systemcan share intelligence including the resource allocation instructions with access nodes,.

Communication interfacemay include hardware components, such as network communication ports, devices, routers, wires, antenna, transceivers, etc. User interfacemay be configured to allow a user to provide input to the resource monitoring and optimization systemand receive data or information from the resource monitoring and optimization system. User interfacemay include hardware components, such as touch screens, buttons, displays, speakers, etc. The resource monitoring and optimization systemmay further include other components such as a power management unit, a control interface unit, etc.

The resource monitoring and optimization systemthus may utilize the memoryand the processorto perform multiple operations. For example, the processormay access stored instructions in the memoryto monitor resource consumption for VoNR, VoLTE and data transmission services over time and further may access instructions for resource reallocation based on the monitoring.

Furthermore, resource monitoring and optimization systemmay utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically perform monitoring and characterize the monitoring in accordance with historical patterns. For example, the processorof the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay train and implement a model incorporating performance measurements over time correlated with use of the services toto facilitate automatic reallocation of resources.

The location of the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay depend upon the network architecture. For example, in smaller networks, a single resource monitoring and optimization systemmay be disposed for communication with access nodes,and RAN. However, in a larger network, multiple resource monitoring and optimization systemmay be required to cover the network. Further, the functions of the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay be split between the core networks,and the RAN.

illustrates an operating environmentfor an exemplary access nodein accordance with the disclosed embodiments. In exemplary embodiments, the access nodeis able to interact effectively with the resource monitoring and optimization systemto facilitate monitoring and optimization. The access nodecan include, for example, a gNodeB or an eNodeB. In specific embodiments provided herein, in which the service is VoNR, the access nodeis a gNB, whereas VoLTE service may be provided by an eNB. Access nodemay comprise, for example, a macro-cell access node, such as access nodes,described with reference to. Access nodeis illustrated as comprising a processor, an resource management processor, a memory, transceiver(s), and antenna(s). Processorexecutes instructions stored on memory, while transceiver(s)and antenna(s)enable wireless communication with other network nodes, such as wireless devices and other nodes. For example, wireless devices may initiate uplink transmissions such that the transceiversand antennasreceive messages including, for example, instructions from the resource monitoring and optimization system, for example, over communication linksand. The transceiversand antennasmay further pass the messages to a mobility entity in the core network. Further, the transceiversand antennasreceive signals from the mobility entity such as a mobility management entity (MME) or access and mobility function (AMF) and pass the messages to the appropriate wireless device. Schedulermay be provided for scheduling resources based on the instructions received and processed at a resource management processor. Networkmay be similar to the networkdiscussed above with respect to.

In embodiments provided herein, the processormay operate in conjunction with schedulerand resource management processorto perform resource management in accordance with network load based on historical patterns. In operation, the resource management processormay be integrated with the processoror alternatively may comprise logic stored in the memoryto execute resource management procedures. For example, the resource management processormay receive instructions from the resource monitoring and optimization systemand may provide the received instructions to components of the access node such as the schedulerfor scheduling resource blocks for the different services such VoNR, VoLTE and data transmission and antennas and transmitters for adjusting transmit power.

While the processor, the resource management processor, and the schedulerare shown as separate components, these components may optionally be integrated in various combinations. For example, the processormay perform the functions described above with respect to the resource management processorby accessing stored instructions from the memory. Further, the memorymay store service specific information, such as VoNR quality of service (QoS) requirements, timers for connectivity, and thresholds for handing over. The QoS for VoNR may require, for example, that VoNR be provided without service gaps or interruptions.

The access nodemay utilize transceiversand antennasto communicate information, for example with the wireless devices,, and with the core networks,. For example, these components may receive requests from the wireless devices,and further may receive instructions, such as policies, from the core network,and the resource monitoring and optimization system. For example, the access nodemay report network events, outages, or overloading to the resource monitoring and optimization system. Such events could change the decisions being made at the resource management and optimization system. For example, if an access nodeis overloaded with VoLTE traffic, the resource monitoring and optimization systemupon receiving this notification, may not allow handovers to the access node.

The disclosed methods for resource monitoring and optimization are discussed further below.illustrates an exemplary methodfor utilizing resource monitoring to optimize resources and balance load based on historical patterns. Methodmay be performed by any suitable processor discussed herein, for example, a processorincluded in the resource monitoring and optimization system. For discussion purposes, as an example, methodis described as being performed by the processorof the resource monitoring and optimization system.

Methodbegins in step, when the resource management and optimization systemmonitors network load over time. For example, the processormay monitor the use of VoLTE, VoNR, and data transmission within the network. The monitoring may occur for an entire network or a portion of the network and may be conducted by one or more resource management and optimization systems. The monitoring may occur at the access nodes,. For example, the processormay monitor the portion of resources allotted to VoLTE and the eNBand the portion of resources allotted to VoNR and the gNB. Further, the processormay consider the cell size, cell location, and total cell load during the monitoring. For example, heavily loaded cells may have different proportions of resources consumed by voice and data than lightly loaded cells. Thus, evaluating cell loading conditions may be based on a number of wireless devices connected to a cell. Alternatively, evaluating cell loading conditions may be based on a number of resource blocks consumed by each service during a particular time period. Larger cells may be characterized by having different proportions of resources consumed for voice and data than smaller cells. Cell size may be evaluated, for example, based on a coverage area of the cell. Further, where many wireless devices utilize a particular service, such as VoNR, at a cell edge, a larger proportion of resources may be consumed for voice services than for data services in that cell. Thus, monitoring resource usage may include evaluating wireless device location based on proximity to a cell edge.

In step, the resource management and optimization systemstores learned patterns based on the monitoring. The patterns may be stored for particular cells over a time period. For example, the monitoring may define peak hours, such as daytime hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, or may utilize shorter intervals, such as 10 AM to noon, or 2 PM to 4 PM. Different patterns may be stored for night-time hours and weekends. For example, more voice service may be used during night-time or off-peak hours than data service. Thus, the resource monitoring and optimization systemmay store resource usage profiles for each cell or for a collection of cells.

Further, in step, the resource monitoring and optimization systemdynamically allocates resources over time, based on learned resource usage patterns for the various services provided by the access nodes,. Thus, the resource monitoring and optimization systemanalyzes the stored patterns in order dynamically allocated resources in step. By continuously monitoring, storing, and analyzing in steps,, and, the resource monitoring and optimization systemis able to build and refine a load balancing plan in step. Thus, the resource monitoring and optimization systembuilds network intelligence based on historical trends and utilizes this intelligence for resource allocation and load balancing. In embodiments set forth herein, in order to allocate resources, the resource monitoring and optimization systemfurther informs access nodes,regarding new directives pertaining to resource block allocations, admission control, antenna adjustments, or handover plans.

illustrates further details of resource optimization and load balancing in accordance with embodiments set forth herein. In particular,illustrates resource optimization and load balancing based on the monitoring described herein. Methodmay be performed by any suitable processor discussed herein, for example, a processorincluded in the resource monitoring and optimization system. For discussion purposes, as an example, methodis described as being performed by the processor.

In step, the processoraccesses stored patterns. The stored patterns may be stored as set forth above with respect to, based on monitoring of network resource usage over time. For example, the stored patterns may reflect portions of network resources utilized for VoNR, VoLTE, and data transmission over time. The stored patterns may be specific to various types of cells and locations within a cell.